Evaluation of Laboratory Parameters in Patients Receiving Isotretinoin For Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Objective: Oral isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) is the most effective medication in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The present study investigates the changes in the parameters such as lipid profile, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine, following the oral retinoic acid treatment in patients with acne vulgaris. Methods: The study group consisted of 110 patients who presented to the dermatology clinic of Konya Research and Training Hospital; they were clinically diagnosed with acne and received isotretinoin treatment. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine aminotranspherase (ALT), aspartate aminotranspherase (AST), urea and creatinine were evaluated retrospectively prior to and three months after the treatment. Results: When the levels prior to and following the treatment were compared, total cholesterol, triglyceride and AST were significantly increased (p<0.001). LDL cholesterol was also significantly increased (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were noted in the levels of creatinine, HDL cholesterol and ALT (p>0.05). Conclusion: The levels of serum lipids should be closely monitored during isotretinoin treatment, which is an effective agent particularly in the severe form of acne.